Overcoming obstacles is just one notch in the remarkable life of John Wooden. Growing up on a farm without running water or electricity, Wooden rose from abject poverty to become basketball’s coaching legend, nicknamed “The Wizard of Westwood.

From 1948 until his retirement in 1975, Wooden transformed UCLA's Bruins (the weakest team in the conference) into champions, all while helping his players overcome racial tensions during a tumultuous time in America's civil rights movement.

In fact, Wooden was so inspiring to his players that one of his most famous quotes was “Make each day a masterpiece.”

In honor of his legacy for inspiring others to overcome significant challenges - including disabilities or injuries, Knee Walker Central has created a scholarship essay contest.

Tell us what John Wooden 's quote, “Make each day your masterpiece“ means to you.

Should your essay be chosen, you would receive a $250 scholarship for the fall semester of 2015. Please submit an essay of no more than 250 words describing how you have made each day a masterpiece.

Participants must meet the following criteria:

Enrolled at an accredited college or university or your final year of high school.

Age sixteen (16) years or older.

Attending a U.S. institution.

Carry a status of Good Standing - i.e. currently enrolled full-time.

Maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5 (or equivalent).